Page 292 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Austria

290  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

country’s highest accommo­
dation, in fact, is the Erzherzog­
Johann hut, at 3,454 m/11,332 ft.
Some private mountain inns
can be quite luxurious but, on
the whole, mountain shelters
are kept simple. There are
usually rooms for two or three,
and sometimes more on a
sharing basis; people sleep on
simple mattresses, often in
bunks, and there are limited
washing facilities. Higher in
the mountains and in more
remote regions, the huts are
The lakeside Hotel Sacher, in Salzburg (see p298) basic. Despite this, each has
an authentic charm.
Inexpensive Vollpension (full­board). The If you’re planning to hike for
Accommodation number of rooms available in several days, book huts through
Austria has a long tradition of a Bauernhof and the prices the Österreichischer Alpen­
renting out rooms in private charged vary but the rooms verein (ÖAV) well in advance.
homes. Vacancies are generally are of a perfectly acceptable Hostels can provide information
indicated by the sign Zimmer standard. For children from on the local hiking trails, current
frei (rooms available). The towns and cities it is an ideal climbing conditions and the
standard varies, but by and opportunity to observe the weather forecasts.
large these rooms tend to be daily workings of a farm and Depending on the popularity
inexpensive and with simple to have contact with farm of an area and the season,
furnishings. Break fast may or animals. There may also be hostels will be open either all
may not be included in the the opportunity to go horse year round or only during the
room price. More upmarket riding, or hire a bike, boat or summer months, usually until
rooms will be found in homes fishing tackle, so that a full the end of September or
signposted as “bed and programme of outdoor October. Some open only at the
breakfast” (in English). These activities can be enjoyed by weekend, even in summer, or by
typically offer more amenities the whole family. appointment. Some hostels are
and en­suite bathrooms. Private Booking one of 625 farms closed one day in the week, on
rooms and homes, most at located around the country the Ruhetag (rest day). The ÖAV
reasonable prices, are also can be done via the Farm or the local tourist bureau will
available on Internet booking Holidays website or through be able to advise on timings.
sites such as Airbnb. local tourist offices, which
There are plenty of back­ often have detailed brochures Camping
packer­friendly hostels and with pictures and price lists.
Jugendherbergen (youth hostels) Travelling with a camping trailer,
throughout Austria. Many of camper van or just a tent is
them offer double rooms and Mountain Hostels popular in Austria, and there are
and Shelters
family rooms as well as simple dedicated campsites in all the
bunk beds in dorms. Some Mountain hostels and shelters, larger towns and popular
“backpacker hotels” in the cities known as hütte, can be found resorts. Generally of a high
and at resorts have recreation across Austria, from the flatlands standard, sites are equipped
rooms, free Wi­Fi and laundries. to high up in the Alps. The with washrooms and kitchens.
Farm Stays
In rural Austria, most holiday
accommodation takes the form
of rooms in working Bauernhöfe
(farms), offering high service
standards in traditional and
rustic surroundings. Some
provide self­catering facilities;
in others, meals are provided by
the farmer, on a similar basis as
in pensions, usually Zimmer mit
Frühstück (bed and breakfast),
Halbpension (half­board) or A caravan site on the shores of Ossiacher See in Carinthia

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm